For the first time in more than 15 years, around 30 people who are blind or have low vision got behind the wheel of a car at Sydney's Eastern Creek Raceway.
For some of them, like Vision Australia clients Gretchen Jones and Ben Phillips it was the first time they had ever driven a motor vehicle.
Gretchen found out she was losing her sight due to cone rod dystrophy at just 16 years old. "I was just about to go for my L's when I found out about my eye condition," she said. "It was a really upsetting thing to go through."
For Ben, the experience of driving was incredibly emotional. "I can't believe I was driving a car at 100kph down the straight. What an amazing experience. Just amazing. I loved it," he said.
The day was organised by sisters Katelyn and Emma in memory of thier brother Angus Suttor.
Angus had a rare condition called Von Recklinghausen’s. He became blind at the age of 10 and also had a hearing impairment. Angus loved motorsports and followed the V8’s religiously. Each year, he attended the 'In the Driver's Seat' event held in Melbourne and it was his dream to have a similar day in Sydney. Sadly, Angus passed away in May 2013.
Participants in the Angus Suttor Driving Day had the opportunity to drive a learner vhicle with a qualified instructor, be pillioned on the back of a Harley, take a ride in the supercharged V8 Commodore Brock Special or an old sidevalve V8 hotrod.
Some people even made their way over to the adjacent drift cars for a high octane passenger experience.
In addition, to ensure that mums weren't forgotten on Mother's Day, there was also a pamper corner, complete with beauticians giving hand massages and painting nails.
A huge thanks goes out to the following sponsors and supporters:
- Coates Hire
- Allens (law firm)
- Sydney Motorsport Park
- Stitchem (workwear and promotional clothing)
- Pink Pamper Parties
- American Motorcycle Club
- OnRoad Driving School
- Safe2Go Driving School
- Hills Driver Education
- Macquarie Driving School
- PB Driving School
- Lions Club of Warrandyte
Read the story in the Daily Telegraph